Amid growing uncertainty surrounding his health, Ramzan Kadyrov, the long-serving strongman of Chechnya, is facing speculation over who will lead the region after him. Kadyrov, a loyal ally of President Putin, has ruled the region with an iron fist for two decades, suppressing independence movements and dissent. Recently, his noticeable absence has left many questioning the future leadership of Chechnya, which also bears the scars of past wars that claimed countless lives.
There are talks that Kadyrov's succession plans may rest on his teenage son, who has celebrated recent milestones, but constitutional age restrictions complicate this scenario. Other possible successors include individuals known for their brutal tactics against opposition, including a notorious figure involved in anti-LGBTQ campaigns and a fighter in the Ukraine conflict.
Kadyrov has carved out a unique role under Putin's regime, enjoying significant independence compared to other regional leaders, and he has established his own military force that operates almost autonomously. Despite claims of sending Chechen soldiers to Ukraine, many have labeled these forces as “TikTok soldiers” due to their lack of engagement in serious combat. With Kadyrov's condition uncertain, the region stands at a crossroads, pondering the implications of a leadership change.
